If you’re experiencing persistent pain on the outside of your elbow, you might think it’s tennis elbow. But did you know that some cases of elbow pain actually come from the neck? Understanding the difference is key to getting the right treatment and long-term relief.
Can Neck Problems Cause Elbow Pain?
Your neck contains nerves that travel down your arm, controlling sensation and movement. If these nerves—especially those from the C6 and C7 levels—become irritated due to posture, arthritis, or a herniated disc, they can send pain signals to the elbow. This is called referred pain and can feel just like tennis elbow.
Signs your elbow pain might be coming from your neck include:
Neck stiffness or discomfort
Pain that moves beyond the elbow into your forearm or hand
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your fingers
Pain that worsens when you move your neck
A Simple Test to Check if Your Neck is the Cause
A quick way to determine whether your pain is coming from your elbow or your neck is the traction alleviation test. This can be done at home or with the help of a physical therapist.
How to Perform the Test:
Sit in a relaxed position.
Gently place your hands on the sides of your head and lift slightly, as if lengthening your neck.
Hold for a few seconds and notice any changes in your elbow pain.
If your pain improves or disappears, your neck is likely the source of the problem.
If the pain stays the same, you may have true tennis elbow.
What This Means for Your Treatment
If your pain is caused by a neck issue, focusing on your elbow won’t bring lasting relief. Instead, treatment should target your posture, neck mobility, and nerve health through:
Gentle neck stretches
Postural exercises
Manual therapy and traction
Nerve gliding exercises
If your pain is truly tennis elbow, treatments like strengthening exercises, soft tissue therapy, and activity modifications will be more effective.
When to See a Professional
If your elbow pain has been lingering or hasn’t improved with basic stretches and rest, a professional evaluation can help pinpoint the cause and create a personalized plan to get you back to pain-free movement. Don’t ignore it—early intervention can prevent chronic pain and speed up recovery!
Have questions? Contact us to schedule an assessment and take the first step toward relief!
